End of the FIRST semester!!!

Greetings from your friends to the East! Advent blessings to you from our family at Wartburg Seminary. We want to pass along our Christmas greetings, tell you happy new year, and give you a brief update.

Sophia has turned one, is now walking, trying to talk, and makes us laugh each and every day. She learns something new every day, and we are all tired by the end of the day! She has enjoyed being around lots of other kids here on campus, and goes to daycare four days a week at our neighbors (the wife of one of my classmates does in-home daycare). Melissa remains busy, serving as a part-time interim in Cuba City, Wisconsin along with working ten hours a week on campus in the Center for Youth Ministry. She has also enjoyed being back on campus and has enjoyed spending time with other spouses here on campus. Paul survived his first semester, and while it was not always well-balanced, he managed to complete coursework, spend some time at home, and work on campus a few hours a week. Paul is excited about his next course, which is over the January term, as he goes with 14 other people to Germany for three weeks, learning about the work of Luther and Bonhoeffer.

As the year is coming to an end, we have reflected upon the many blessings, along with the multitude of changes that have happened in 2011. We have gone from 2 dogs to zero (in 2 days), we moved Carlos off to college, we sold the house and moved to Dubuque, Melissa has changed jobs, Paul has changed profession, and we have mourned the loss of Melissa’s grandmother. Every time we talk about blessings, we reflect upon our support system, the family and friends who are there to support, love, and encourage us! Since you are reading this, know that you are a part of that support system, and for you, we give thanks.

We wish you a safe, happy, and healthy winter holiday! Thanks for your continued support and the kindness you have shown to the Waterman family!

Blessings!

Melissa, Paul, and Sophia Waterman

Here's a picture in the foot of snow Dubuque received today!  She loved it!!!  She came inside and signed "more."  She wanted to go back outside.  She's so cute!!